Mangaluru: The audio and trailer launch ceremony of the Tulu film 'Kajja', presented by Sham Institution, was held with much enthusiasm and fanfare at the Town Hall in Mangaluru , drawing several prominent personalities from the film industry, politics and cultural circles.
The event reflected the growing popularity and expanding reach of Tulu cinema, with speakers highlighting the contribution of films and dramas in taking the Tulu language and culture to national and international audiences.
Dr M Mohan Alva, chairman of Alva's Education Foundation, Moodbidri, attended the function as the guest of honour and praised the steady growth of the Tulu film industry over the years.
Addressing the gathering, he said Tulu had earned international recognition through theatre and cinema and had evolved into a language admired by audiences across regions.
'Tulu is a language loved by everyone. Following the success of 'Tudar', this same team has produced 'Kajja', and I am confident it will resonate with the audience,' he said.
He also noted that the Tulu film industry has witnessed remarkable progress, with more than 150 films released so far, indicating the increasing acceptance and support for regional cinema.
The ceremony was inaugurated by Laxminarayana Asranna, hereditary trustee of Kateel Shri Durgaparameshwari Temple.
Speaking on the occasion, he said cinema serves as a powerful medium for showcasing local culture, traditions and heritage to audiences around the world. He expressed happiness over the widening reach and market for Tulu films in recent years.
Actor Vasishta Simha officially released the audio and trailer of the film during the event. Sharing his experience with the audience, he spoke about his personal connection with the Tulu language and the warmth of the people of the coastal region.
'I learned Tulu through my interactions with the people here. During the filming of 'Kajja', the cast and crew lived like one family,' he said while expressing confidence about the film's success.
The actor also appreciated the dedication shown by the team during the making of the movie and said the film carries strong emotional and cultural elements that audiences are likely to connect with.
Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U T Khader, who also addressed the gathering, said the steady rise of Tulu cinema had removed concerns that technological advancement and changing entertainment trends would weaken the language.
He observed that regional films continue to play an important role in preserving language, identity and cultural traditions among younger generations.
MLA Vedavyas Kamath also spoke at the programme and urged the public to encourage the local film industry by watching Tulu films in theatres.
According to him, audience support remains crucial for the growth and sustainability of regional cinema industries, especially those producing films rooted in local culture and language.
The event witnessed the presence of several dignitaries and members of the film fraternity, adding glamour and significance to the occasion.
Among those present at the ceremony were director Vijaykumar Kodialbail, Sarvothama Shetty from Abu Dhabi, Harikrishna Punaroor, actor Arvind Bolar, MP Shenoy, Vishwanath Shetty from Dubai, Satish Bandale and producer Vishanth Menezes.
The film 'Kajja' features story and lyrics written by Mohan Raj, while the music has been composed by Likhith Prasad Shetty.
The launch ceremony concluded with optimism and excitement among the cast, crew and supporters of the film, with many expressing hope that 'Kajja' would further strengthen the position of Tulu cinema in the regional film industry.
With increasing production quality, wider audience support and international recognition, the Tulu film industry continues to emerge as a vibrant platform for showcasing the unique culture and traditions of coastal Karnataka.